Emergency numbers and getting help in China

Call the right emergency service

In mainland China, dial 110 for police, 119 for fire or 120 for an ambulance. State what has happened, where you are and how many people need help. Give the Chinese address, building name, entrance and floor if you can.

If language is a barrier, ask nearby hotel, station or attraction staff to help make the call and identify the location. Send a companion to meet responders at the entrance when this can be done safely. Do not wait for a travel-company reply before seeking urgent assistance.

Find routine medical care

For a non-emergency appointment, ask your insurer which hospitals it works with, then contact the hospital about the department, appointment and language support you need. Take your passport, insurance details and a way to pay.

Ask whether the hospital can bill your insurer directly or whether you must pay first and claim later. Keep itemized receipts and medical paperwork. In Beijing, the city’s medical guide lists hospitals, appointment channels and payment information.

If your passport is lost

Report the loss to local police and contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement travel document. Ask the immigration authorities what steps are needed for your departure or remaining stay. A passport photograph or scan helps explain the loss but does not replace the original document.

Call 12367 for immigration-service guidance in English, or use the NIA 12367 app or mini-program. Keep the police report and reference numbers with the instructions you receive.

If a flight, train or visit changes

Open the booking with the airline, China Railway or the seller you used. Find the change or cancellation notice and review the offered options before buying another ticket. Save the new booking details and tell your hotel or pickup contact if the arrival changes.

For a weather-related closure, follow the operator’s instructions and choose an indoor or local alternative. Ask about the original booking’s refund or rescheduling terms through the same booking channel.

Prepare a small help card

Keep the following in a phone note and a separate paper copy: your name, a trusted contact, hotel name and address, insurer’s assistance number, policy reference and embassy or consulate contact. Add essential medical information you want emergency staff to know.

Keep card details, passwords and passport copies in secure storage. Share only the information needed with the organization handling the problem.

Common questions